Harold Reid Reserve

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The Harold Reid Headland, which is also known as the Sugarloaf, is a Hawkesbury sandstone landform that rises up above Middle Harbour. With natural waterfront bushland, a diverse range of plants and plenty of native animals, it's one of Sydney's many wonderful pockets of natural scenery.


The best way to explore what this reserve has to offer is to wander along the five kilometre walking circuit that winds its way through the park. Perhaps the best aspect of the walk is the peaceful water views on offer. The calm waters of Middle Harbour stretch out before you, while at low tide you can watch wading birds stalk their prey.

There's a whole lot of other bird life to keep an eye out for in your travels, including the grey fantail, eastern spinebill, little wattlebird and rainbow lorikeet. Many other native animals live in the reserve, from insects and spiders to possums and lizards.


Around the shoreline, grey mangroves populate the mudflats and form important habitat and breeding areas for birds, fish and invertebrates. Back on dry land you'll wander past trees like angophoras, silver-top ash, grey gums and black she-oaks.


Small sandstone caverns, typical of those formed in Hawkesbury sandstone, are dotted throughout the reserve. Aborigines who lived in the area used rock overhangs as shelters and fishtraps, and you can find further evidence of Aboriginal habitation in the form of middens.

A lookout near the reserve's parking area offers some spectacular views out over the water. Nearby you can find a free gas barbecue and picnic area, along with a toilet.


To find out more about bushwalking in , visit the Willoughby City Council website and follow the link to the Harold Reid Foreshore Walking Trail brochure.



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